Twin chamber humidifying tube

ABSTRACT

A twin chamber humidifying tube distinguished by a double chamber that allows an evenly and uniform moisturizing of cigars sideways, and also the revival of dried cigars, fitted with a cigar punch or cutter and that allows the viewing the cigar contained in it with its vitola and brand.

RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to Spanish Application No. P200703151 filed Nov. 27, 2007, which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention applies to the manufacturing of various articles and accessories in the Tobacco Industry and Smokers alike. Particularly, the present invention relates to a twin-chamber humidifying tube, permitting an even spread of moisture on each side of the cigar up to six months without drying out, thanks to the twin chamber system in the tube. The present invention also allows the recovery of dried cigars. Apart from the humidifying role of the art, the invention provides an advertising opportunity since cigars stored in it can be viewed from the outside.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Cigars also known as “puros” or by its place of origin “habanos” are cigars made from rolled tobacco leaves without the use of wrapping paper.

The main place of origin of cigars is Cuba, a country in which apart from its lands, special weather conditions such as temperature and humidity take place.

Cigar Smoking requires certain tobacco conditions to be able to sense its organic features specially the aroma as well as to be able to consume it trouble free and effortless.

However exporting and consuming cigars in different parts of the world other that the place of origin where environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity differ from the latter, requires appropriate protection during the process of transport and storage at the tobacconists prior to be purchased by the final consumer as well as the consumer itself.

Tobacco Shops would normally be fitted with big humidors (whether a room or furniture) providing special conditions of temperature and humidity.

On the consumer side the industrial approach of building a room or buying furniture to keep Cigars becomes unsuitable, therefore preserving Cigars would require the use of smaller humidors such as a wooden box type furniture with a humidifying system, consisting of a wet sponge that would keep suitable conditions of Cigars prior to consumption. This system requires periodical water replacement and for that the system includes a hygrometer indicating the humidity level inside.

Additionally, certain types of portable humidors are in use by consumers when carrying Cigars from their homes to a different place of consumption. These small sized leather cases, generally allowing 1 to 3 cigars, do not contain a humidifying system as such, although a few improvements has been done the matter. The effectiveness of these portable items lie on the leather isolation preventing or delaying the cigar to get dry therefore these shall not be considered as humidors as such. Examples of these improved items can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,112,889 or Utility Model 1 042 493[U 9900653](ES).

Another example of items preserving cigars is the aluminium cigar tubes or cigar carriers mostly for individual use and containing on one of the ends a wet sponge acting as the humidifying system moisturizing the tube inside. Although certain level of humidity is obtained, this item does not provide optimal conditions of cigar preservation. The tube can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,957,277 or Utility Model 1 000 746[U 8601104](ES).

The existence of the wet sponge on one of the ends inside the tube as source of humidity causes the destruction of the cigar due to an uneven moisturizing process, pushing water vapour directly and concentrated on one end of the cigar, the excess of humidity on the affected zone will lead to the swelling of it and the irreversible destruction plus a humidity defect on the rest of the cigar.

The optimum conditions for Cigar preservation are temperatures between 18-22 degrees Celsius in a 65-75% humidity level environment, with an even and gentle yet slow moisturizing process all around the cigar to avoid destruction due to excess of humidity.

So to avoid further problems with the humidification process in such aluminium portable tubes known till now, the present invention related to a twin-chamber humidifying tube which features an uniform and slow moisturizing event with the cigar thanks to the twin chamber system, that also permits the revival of dried cigars. To keep an appropriate level of humidity it is only required to gradually replace water prior to the provided sponge dries out completely.

Additionally a transparent section of the tube permits an external view of the cigar, the ring and cigar brand, representing in overall a new development unknown till today and providing many advantages on its marketing and advertising functions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention seeks to provide a twin chamber humidifying tube for maintaining adequate humidity in cigars comprising: (a) an outer cylindrical section including an air tight container outer tube divided in a first sub-section and a second sub-section; (b) a humidifying system, adjacent to a lower edge of the second sub-section; (c) a cap-type cigar punch, adjacent to an upper edge of the first sub-section; (d) an inner cylindrical section including an inner tube coaxially placed inside the second sub-section and of a diameter slightly smaller than the diameter of the outer tube and of a length a half of the length of the outer tube, constructed and arranged to define an inner chamber to contain a cigar, and (e) an outer chamber defined between the outer tube and the inner tube, constructed and arranged to enable a flow of humidity penetrate the inner chamber.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an elevation view of the whole in its final configuration.

FIG. 2 shows an elevation view of the whole of FIG. 1, separating the upper and lower sections and the watertight cap.

FIG. 3 shows a sectional view of the whole in its final configuration with internal details.

FIG. 4 shows a three-dimensional view of the lower section, detailing the humidity path and functioning of the humidifying system.

FIG. 5 shows a sectional view of the humidifying system functioning.

FIG. 6 shows a three-dimensional dissembling view of the inner tube and humidifying system.

FIG. 7 shows a three-dimensional dissembling view of the lower section of the outer tube.

FIG. 8 shows a three-dimensional dissembling view of the cigar punch (cutter).

FIG. 9 shows a three-dimensional dissembling view of the upper section of the outer tube.

FIG. 10 shows the humidity path to moisture cigar.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention will be described for the purposes of illustration only in connection with certain embodiments; however, it is to be understood that other objects and advantages of the present invention will be made apparent by the following description of the drawings according to the present invention. While a preferred embodiment is disclosed, this is not intended to be limiting. Rather, the general principles set forth herein are considered to be merely illustrative of the scope of the present invention and it is to be further understood that numerous changes may be made without straying from the scope of the present invention.

The twin chamber humidifying tube that this invention describes is undoubtedly a practical solution enabling an even moisturizing process on cigars, allowing a uniform and gradual spread of humidity of cigars.

An even or uniform moisture keeps a cigar inside a tube up to six months without drying out inside plus the slowness and gradual humidification permits enlarging the time required to keep proper humidity and preservation of the cigar. This momentum is thanks to the result of a long journey performed by humidity beginning from the sponge to the inside of the cigar, having this thick humidity to pass through various walls, chambers and vents before entering the inner chamber where the cigar rests.

Also due to a visible upper section, the art allows to visualize the cigar contained in it, the ring (vitola) and the Cigar Brand providing advertising opportunities.

The twin chamber humidifying tube described in the invention comprises: an outer cylinder shaped structure formed by an air-tight container tube or exterior tube (1) divided in two sub-sections (1 a) and (1 b); a humidifying system (2); a cigar cutter (cap type); and an inner cylinder shaped structure formed by and inner tube (4) slightly smaller in diameter than the outer tube (1) and half of the outer tube's length (1).

The outer tube (1) has a transparent upper sub-section (1 a) with thread or pressure system (5) located on the upper edge to hold the cigar punch or cutter (3) and a pressure washer (6) on the lower edge to joint the lower sub-section (1 b), in the lower edge of the lower sub-section (1 b) the humidifying system (2) is attached. At the same time the lower edge of the upper Sub-section (1 a) holds a thread or pressure system (7) to fix both sub-sections (1 a) and (1 b) between themselves via washer (6) for which the upper edge of the sub-section (1 b) has a thread or pressure system (8).

The humidifying system (2) consists of a watertight cap (9) fixed with threads or pressure (10) to the lower section (1 b) of the outer tube (1), a container (11) for the sponge (13) with vents (12) allowing humidity to escape and the sponge (13) soaked in water which will loosen the water to moisturize the cigar.

The cigar punch or cutter (3) is formed by a cap type cutter (14) hold by threads or pressure system (15) fixed to the upper sub-section (1 a) or the outer tube (1), a rubber washer (16) or similar to provide fixation to the whole and a clip (17) to hand the whole to a pocket, a cap (18) to cover the cigar punch with threads of pressure system (19).

The inner tube (4) size which is half of the outer tube (1) holds on its base a watertight holder (20) for introducing the humidifying system (2) through a thread or pressure system (21) and a serious of vents spread evenly throughout the entire perimeter (22) of the tube allowing the penetration of humidity exhausted by sponge (13), then out to the humidifying system (2) through existing vents (12) to moisturize cigar (25) resting inside of it.

As described above, the outer tube (1) contains on its lower section (1 b) the inner tube (2) and both tubes: outer (1) and inner (4) are joined together in the said lower section (1 a) amicably and both sections: upper and lower are joined together via a thread or pressure system (7 and 8) and washer (6) on the outer tube (1) providing a watertight fixture of the whole.

Together assembled and with the humidifying tube completely mounted between the outer tube (1) and inner tube (4) shapes up an outer chamber (23) through which humidity coming out from sponge (13) escapes thru vents (12), crosses the said chamber and penetrates into an inner chamber (24) formed by the inner space of the inner tube (4) where cigar (25) lies.

This way humidity from sponge (13) does not reach directly the cigar (25) lower edge, but has to spread along the outer chamber (23), then inside inner chamber (24) through the vents provided there resulting in an even or uniform moisturizing process of the cigar.

Since the upper sub-section (1 a) of the outer tube (1) is transparent, the vitola and the brand (26) of cigar (25) lying inside can be seen with.

Finally, considering the slow and uniform moisturizing process that this twin chamber mechanism provides, dried cigars due to poor or inappropriate preservation can be revived. The existence of the twin chambers permits, when inserting a dried cigar in the tube, the absorption of humidity expelled by the sponge through the vents of the inner tube till required level of humidity is gained due to chemical balance between humidity and remains of water in the sponge. In other words, the cigar acts as a slow absorber lying with the sponge through the twin chambers, advantage that causes the water to be absorb gradually and avoiding the cigar to be destroyed.

As it can be seen in FIG. 10, the humidity path from source or sponge (13) through chamber (23) formed by cylinder or outer tube (1) and cylinder or inner tube (4) till its penetration into chamber (24) via vents (22) to moisture cigar (25).

In a first preferred embodiment of the present invention, the twin chamber humidifying tube as described above consists of an outer tube (1) with two sub-sections, an upper sub-section (1 a) formed only by a transparent outer tube (1) and a lower sub-section (1 b) formed by a non-transparent outer tube (1) and the inner tube (4).

Prior to introducing the cigar (25), pressure is applied to untwist watertight cap (9) from the humidifying system (2). Container (11) with sponge (13) is extracted, sponge (13) is soaked in water and the sponge (13) and container (11) is then put back onto the watertight holder (20) on the inner tube (4) base, using pressure (21). Cap (9) is then again twisted with thread or pressure system (10) and then fixed to the lower section (1 b) of outer tube (1).

Once water has been replaced both sections are separated from the humidifying tube pressing system (6, 7 and 8) in the outer tube (1), then cigar (25) is placed inside chamber (24) formed by the inner space of the inner tube.

Once cigar (25) is placed inside, proceed with the closure of both sections pressing system (6, 7 and 8) allowing a tight closure of the whole. To accomplish this, both tubes, outer (1) and inner (4), are joined amicably.

The humidifying system (2) operates with sponge (13) gradually exhausting humidity from absorbed water, leaving container (11) through vents (12), and spreading along chamber (23) space, formed between outer tube (1) and inner tube (4) diameters. The humidity then penetrates into chamber (24) where cigar (25) lies, formed by the inner space of inner tube (4), through a serious of vents evenly distributed along its perimeter (22).

This way humidity from sponge (13) will reach indirectly to the lower edge of cigar (25), dispersed along the axis of chamber (23) to penetrate chamber (24) thru different vents and resulting on an even or uniform moisturizing process of cigar (25) lying inside.

An adequate level of humidity is obtained during the cigar preservation by only extracting the humidifying system (2) to replace the water in the sponge (13) periodically.

The whole is set in a way to allow carrying with the help of clip (17) onto a pocket.

On the other hand, the outer tube (1) transparent sub-section (1 a) permits viewing of the cigar vitola and brand from the outside.

When the moment comes to consume cigar (25) it is only a matter of opening the whole, split the two sections via system (7 and 8) and remove the cigar.

This is the time when the cigar end needs piercing before been smoked. Cap (18) covering the cigar punch or cutter is removed after pressing system (19), the cigar is cut with the help of the cutter (14) included in the invention. The cigar punch (14) can also be used on any other cigar.

In a second preferred embodiment of the present invention, the twin chamber humidifying tube is not only used for cigars (25) preservation with adequate level of humidity, it can also be used when dried and poor preserved cigars are revived thanks to the slow and evenly process of moisturizing a cigar with the twin chamber humidifying tube.

On this occasion the twin chamber system operates in a way that when a dried cigar is introduced in the tube, the cigar absorbs humidity from the sponge through the vents or holes of the inner tube till the required balance of moisture is gained between the humidity as such and the water remains in the sponge. In other words, the cigar acts as a slow absorber of water from the sponge using the twin chambers, having as an advantageous fact that water is not absorb promptly, otherwise destruction of cigar occurs. 

1. A twin chamber humidifying tube for maintaining adequate humidity in cigars comprising: (a) an outer cylindrical section including an air tight container outer tube divided in a first sub-section and a second sub-section; (b a humidifying system, adjacent to a lower edge of the second sub-section; (c) a cap-type cigar punch, adjacent to an upper edge of the first sub-section; (d) an inner cylindrical section including an inner tube coaxially placed inside the second sub-section and of a diameter slightly smaller than the diameter of the outer tube and of a length a half of the length of the outer tube, constructed and arranged to define an inner chamber to contain a cigar, and (e) an outer chamber defined between the outer tube and the inner tube, constructed and arranged to enable a flow of humidity penetrate the inner chamber.
 2. The twin chamber humidifying tube according to claim 1, further comprising a first thread or pressure closure system constructed and arranged to join the first and second sub-sections.
 3. The twin chamber humidifying tube according to claim 2, further comprising a washer to join the first and second sub-sections.
 4. The twin chamber humidifying tube according to claim 1, wherein the humidifying system comprises a watertight cap with multiple vents, defining a container accommodating a sponge
 5. The twin chamber humidifying tube according to claim 1, wherein the inner tube includes a watertight holder to hold the humidifying system through a second thread or pressure closure system.
 6. The twin chamber humidifying tube according to claim 1, wherein the inner tube includes multiple vents laid evenly along the entire perimeter.
 7. The twin chamber humidifying tube according to claim 1, wherein the first sub-section of outer tube is transparent, enabling the view of the vitola and the brand of the cigar contained in it.
 8. The twin chamber humidifying tube according to claim 1, further including a clip located adjacent to an upper edge of the first sub-section.
 9. The twin chamber humidifying tube according to claim 1, wherein the cap-type cigar punch includes: a cap; a washer, and a third thread or pressure closure system constructed and arranged to join the cap and the washer to the upper edge of the first sub-section. 